Ingredients (Makes 6 Mason Jars, 500ml each)

For the Zesty Lemon Dressing:

  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave nectar)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For Layering in the Mason Jars:

Bottom Layer (Wet Ingredients):

  • 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • 1 small avocado, diced (add before eating to keep fresh)

Second Layer (Crunchy Veggies):

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped

Third Layer (Leafy Greens & Herbs):

  • 150g baby spinach or mixed greens (about 25g per jar)
  • 6 tbsp fresh coriander or parsley, chopped

Top Layer (Crunchy Toppings - Add Before Eating):

  • 6 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
  • 6 tbsp crushed tortilla chips (for extra crunch)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Divide evenly among the mason jars (about 1 tbsp per jar).

Assemble the Mason Jars:

  1. Bottom Layer: Add chickpeas and avocado to keep them away from the greens and prevent wilting.
  2. Second Layer: Add red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for a crunchy bite.
  3. Third Layer: Pack in the baby spinach or mixed greens and fresh herbs.
  4. Top Layer: Keep toasted sunflower seeds and tortilla chips separate until serving for the best crunch.

Storage & Serving:

  • Vacuum seal the jars with the Perma Jar Vacuum Sealer to maintain freshness.
  • Store in the fridge.
  • To eat, shake the jar well, pour into a bowl, toss everything together, and enjoy fresh!

Cooking Time:

25 minutes total


Macronutrient Breakdown (Per Jar):

  • Calories: ~400 kcal
  • Protein: ~14g
  • Carbohydrates: ~38g
  • Fat: ~22g
  • Fiber: ~10g

Average Cost Analysis (Per Jar, Based on UK Supermarkets)

  • Chickpeas (60g): £0.20
  • Avocado (⅙): £0.25
  • Red Bell Pepper (⅙): £0.10
  • Cherry Tomatoes (⅙ cup): £0.15
  • Cucumber (⅙ of one): £0.10
  • Red Onion (⅙ of one): £0.05
  • Spinach/Mixed Greens (25g): £0.20
  • Olive Oil, Lemon, Mustard, Garlic & Seasonings: £0.15
  • Sunflower Seeds (1 tbsp): £0.15

💰 Total Cost per Jar: ~£1.35
💰 Total Cost for 6 Jars: ~£8.10